Parent -Child Interaction Therapy for Puerto Rican with preschool children that exhibit hyperactivity and behavioral problems problem: Two case studies. Santiago Troche, Rocheli . University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras (Puerto Rico), ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2006. 3218120.
ABSTRACT
In Puerto Rico, disruptive behaviors in children are one of the most common childhood problems. The adverse effects of such behaviors support the necessity of providing effective treatments to these children. Parent training has proved to be the most effective intervention for reducing problem behaviors in children and improving family environment. However, little treatment research has been conducted with Latino families. This study presents case studies with two Puerto Rican families who had a preschool child with hyperactivity and other significant behavior problems. The families were part of the larger project Treatment for Preschool Children with Hyperactivity and Behavior Problems, where they participated in the treatment program Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). The aims of the present study were: (1) describe the therapeutic process of the families; (2) examine maintenance of the skills the parents learned in a three month and 12 month follow-up; (3) explore if parents reported significant changes in children's behavior at the end of treatment and if these changes were maintained in the three and 12 month follow-ups; and (4) examine the viability and acceptability of the treatment intervention. Results indicated that PCIT was viable and acceptable to these families. Findings also suggested that the families benefited from their participation in PCIT. Parents were observed to interact more positively with their child and demonstrated better use of parenting practices. They reported reductions in stress and increases in parenting self- esteem. Children exhibited less hyperactivity, oppositional and aggressive behaviors. Families continued reporting positive changes during the three and 12 month follow-ups. Recommendations to enhance the benefits of the intervention with Puerto Rican families are discussed.